Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Rejected
Work with Scottish Government to create sustainable legal framework for Safer Drug Consumption Facilities.
Recommendation
If the independent evaluation of The Thistle deems the pilot a success, and the Scottish Government proceeds to make The Thistle permanent, and perhaps to open further SDCFs, the UK Government should work with the Scottish Government to make the necessary changes to reserved legislation to ensure there is a full, sustainable legal framework for Safer Drug Consumptions Facilities in Scotland. (Recommendation, Paragraph 138) 51
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation for legislative changes to support SDCFs if The Thistle pilot is successful, stating it has no plans to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Response: The UK fully recognises the Scottish Government’s need to tackle drug misuse in areas where responsibility is devolved, including healthcare, criminal justice, housing, and education. The legislative framework for drugs works as intended, enabling harmful substances to be controlled whilst ensuring access for those with legitimate reasons including researchers, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and patients in receipt of valid prescriptions. The Government has been clear that it has no plans to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to enable the operation of DCRs in any part of the United Kingdom. The Thistle is subject to an independent evaluation, and we will welcome any evidence that emerges as part of that following the three-year pilot.